Thank you to everybody who read or left kudos for the last chapter. I really appreciate it. We're doing our second amusement park visit in the story. At least this time, it is a park I have vacationed at. Both visits occurred after 2010. I still had to visit the wiki to ensure I did not mention something that wasn't there yet. Betty's phone probably wouldn't use Dad, but my voice recognition software will not recognize what should be there, and I give up.
Chapter 98: Nine Conversations About Life and Ridiculous Schemes
September 25, 2010:
Super late night LA time but midmorning London time
Dad: Thank you for sending me lots of baby pictures. The children are adorable. I've been showing them off to everyone at work.
Dad: Apparently, your fiancé having a child with their ex is not uncommon here. I didn't even need to explain the situation. Everybody just congratulated me on my new grandchildren.
Betty: Possibly because it's public knowledge. Isn't it almost 2 AM where you are?
Dad: I wanted to check in, and with the nine-hour time difference, I realized that after work for me would be midmorning for you. Is everything going good with Amanda and the twins?
Betty: Yes. Amanda was discharged yesterday afternoon. Although she opted to stay at the hotel. We are as well. With London traffic, it's a good 30 minutes closer. We're only a five-minute walk.
Dad: Which is good.
Betty: Daniel and Amanda have already left for the morning visit to the twins. Marc is with them as well. I'm joining later with DJ and the dads.
Dad: How did your meeting with the lawyer go yesterday? Do I need to get time off for an emergency quickie wedding?
Betty: I knew you were going to ask about that.
Dad: After my experience, I am concerned. I don't want you to get separated from your family. It's a horrible experience.
Betty: I know which is the reason why we set up a meeting with the lawyer now. They are the same team that helped us get Amanda here legally. Although I didn't know that until after the fact. They're hopeful it won't be a problem, mainly because I will help Brianna and Matt set up a new branch of the Hartley Foundation in the UK. Breanna's company will sponsor my visa.
Dad: I'm happy for you. Although, I thought you would go work for Daniel. You love the magazine industry.
Betty: Despite Daniel asking them not to include one, I'm dealing with a nasty no-compete clause in my contract with Lindsey publishing. I can't work for Daniel right now. I'm still going to write just for myself and for the kids. If things go well, I'll share what I'm working on with someone from Alexis's list of literary agents.
Dad: Do what you need to do to stay with your family. However, don't give up on your dream because it will happen eventually. I'm here as the head chef at a top restaurant. I never thought I would make it as a head chef, and I'm here.
Betty: I'm proud of you.
Dad: I am proud of you too.
Betty: I feel like I failed. I dragged everybody else here, but we can't leave because of the complicated custody situation with DJ's grandparents and the twin's safety.
Dad: You tried something new and realized it wasn't a healthy environment for you, so you left. That's not failure, that's growth.
Betty: It still feels like failure. Anyway, I need to leave for the hospital. DJ wants to spend more time with his baby cousins. He is standing outside my door, dressed, and ready to go.
Dad: Go on. I expect more pictures when I wake up in seven hours.
Betty: I will do my best.
Betty: [36 images attached]
xxx
Amanda's cousin: Good news, we're at the airport getting ready to board the jet back to New York. This means I have successfully kept Victoria from showing up at the hospital.
Tamika: We thank you for your services. At least you kept her happy enough that she didn't abandon you.
Amanda's cousin: I feel like she would if she could. After Victoria fired Diana King yesterday, Lindsey removed her ability to fire anybody, including me.
Tamika: That name seems familiar.
Amanda's cousin: She was one of the editors keeping Mode UK from completely imploding during David Pratt's reign of incompetence. She quit when the asshole blew up the magazine and took a job with Lindsey Publishing.
Tamika: I remember that fiasco. I was brought in to help things during the middle of my cousins wedding. I would have quit, too.
Amanda's cousin: Diana was chosen to move to New York, but she said no due to family commitments. She was promptly fired at the Rafael show yesterday. Which resulted in my boss getting screamed at by Lindsay on the ride back to the hotel and losing her firing privileges permanently.
Tamika: Please tell me you have video of that?
Amanda's cousin: Sorry, I wasn't able to record. I think she lost privileges because Lindsey couldn't undo it. Diana refuses to go back to him. Because Victoria fired her the way that she did, the no compete clause is void. Diana is a free agent.
Tamika: He deserves it, mainly because my cousin must do double duty at Diversity Business UK because Betty can't take over the magazine. Her no-compete clause is firmly intact because she told Lindsay to go flock himself.
Tamika: *Fuck himself. Stupid voice recognition software trying to censor me.
Amanda's cousin: I understood what you meant. Daniel could always hire Diana back to mess with Victoria's head. It would make her miserable.
Tamika: Good suggestion.
Amanda's cousin: I need to get on the plane. I'll let you know when we actually touchdown in New York. I hope we touchdown in New York.
Amanda's cousin: OK, New Jersey but you know what I mean.
Tamika: Let me know immediately if you find yourself in Pennsylvania instead. Most of the family is headed out there, including me.
Amanda's cousin: For the investigation or at the park?
Tamika: Probably the investigation, but we are staying in the park. So, it's crucial that Victoria doesn't go there.
Amanda's cousin: I'll let you know if we wind up in the wrong place.
Tamika: Thank you.
Xxxx
Marc's assistant: Hey, I usually go through Candy but since it's the weekend, I am writing you directly to let you know that Victoria is boarding her plane back to the US.
Daniel: Thank God. I owe Ms. Sanchez shoes for keeping the monster far away from us.
Marc's assistant: Brianna has already agreed to let her keep all the clothes we shipped her for the shows. However, a couple more pairs of shoes wouldn't hurt.
Daniel: She deserves it for putting up with that woman. I am surprised she has managed to survive this long.
Marc's assistant: Lindsey has taken away Victoria's firing privileges after he fired Diane King yesterday at the Rafael show. It was a disaster.
Daniel: I heard about what happened from Marc and Amanda yesterday. She used to work at Mode UK before leaving after the Daniel Pratt fiasco.
Marc's assistant: Which no one can blame her for. I would've quit, too.
Daniel: Yep. Everyone thinks I should forgive her and at least interview her for the Diversity Business UK job.
Marc's assistant: You should. My cousin is happy to help during your parental leave, but she has her own almost newborn to contend with. She really should still be on her own parental leave. If she only had one magazine to worry about, that would benefit everyone.
Daniel: This is true. I'll schedule a meeting.
Daniel: Or I'll have my co-EIC schedule a meeting and do the interview with somebody from HR.
Marc's assistant: Thank you.
Marc's assistant: I'll let you know if Victoria turns up somewhere other than New York.
Daniel: I really don't want her in Paris. I still have to go to France next week for DJ's Mandatory visit with his grandparents unless I can convince your boss to do it for me. God, I hate them. I don't need more quality time with Victoria Hartley on top of that misery.
Marc's assistant: I am more worried about her showing up in Pennsylvania. I'm heading up to Hersheypark with the family for the weekend. But I will keep you posted if Ms. Suarez suddenly wakes up in France.
Daniel: Please do that. Have a good time, and thank you for being our contact for all this chaos. I really appreciated it.
Marc's assistant: You're welcome.
Xx
Tamika, the goddess assistant: If Daniel asks you to take over his visit with his child's horrible grandparents say yes. He already seems exhausted.
Marc: DJ and Justin asked and I already said I would come along for moral support.
Tamika, the goddess assistant: Thank you. Now send me baby pictures.
Marc: [Seven images attached]
Marc: I expect pictures of my daughter in return.
Tamika, the goddess assistant: You will. I promise.
Xxxx
Too early on a Saturday morning, Matt found his way to the underground parking of an unassuming apartment complex in Midtown. Although the cars parked there were anything but unassuming.
"I can see why you decided to keep the cars," Matt stated as he touched the hood of the purple Cadillac convertible. An Audi next to it also belonged to Cory's Sister.
"These are just the ones that stay here. These are almost practical for daily use. I have a few nice vintage ones I don't drive in the beach house garage. I'm not sad about giving him the Park Avenue apartment because I hated the thing. I'm sure he's happy there with the new trophy wife." Hillary commented.
"And their new trophy baby, born just a month after the divorce was finalized," Cory added.
"I am surprised I did not hear more about your divorce. That seems messy, and you know how the country club divas talk." Matt added.
"Nothing stays quiet in our circles. You were probably overseas when it all blew up, but you did make a nice revenge fuck, so I'm not mad. I made sure my ex-husband found out you made me cum four times." His sister would do that. She despises her ex-husband now and would absolutely rub it in his face that the rebound was better. However, Cory did not want to hear about it.
"No talking about how you slept with my boyfriend first." Cory admonished his sister.
"At least I know this one is actually bisexual and not just a closet case," Hillary said as she threw the keys to her brother.
"This is true. Thank you for letting us use your car."
"You're welcome. I expect one of those make-your-own chocolate bars at a minimum," Hillary told her brother.
"You got it." Cory hugged his sister goodbye.
"I wish I could come, but I have a bunch of meetings today, including brunch in an hour. Thankfully, I was able to get Ross to host." Hilary said wistfully. That explains why she was dressed in a suit already.
"On a Saturday?" Cory sounded annoyed on her behalf.
"The sperm donor fucked things up with one of our biggest clients, and I get to spend all weekend fixing it, which is why we are starting off with a nice champagne brunch, the type where they put caviar on the Eggs Benedict. I will be so happy when the board officially gives our sperm donor the boot. They're dragging their feet."
"They're probably still hoping I'll change my mind and decide I want to join the Malick group," Cory rolled his eyes in annoyance.
"Probably," Hillary sighed. "Be safe, and I expect my car to return tomorrow in pristine condition."
"Will do." Cory leaned over to kiss his sister goodbye on the cheek. Moments later, they were in the car making their way to Rebecca's house.
Xxx
Austin arrived in the living room to find his foster mom dressed in jeans and a Reese's Cup T-shirt, wearing what may or may not be a fanny pack straight out of the neon 90s. He has not seen Vivian in Jean since the baby shower, and that was before she became his foster mom.
"I thought you weren't going with us." Austin was under the impression that Tamika and Cliff would be their designated babysitters. Both would be easy to ditch, with Antonella providing the distraction. Vivian would be harder to lose. Matt and Cory would technically be there, but they planned to randomly meet in the park if a PI was still watching Matt. Jerry's team has not yet identified anybody watching Matt, but they are still cautious.
"I was always planning to come, but I was originally going to spend most of my time with Jerry's team going over what they found. However, he thinks it will look better if I'm seen in the park vacationing with my foster son. I'm sure something will end up on TV somewhere."
"Alibi?" Austin said it like a question.
"Of course. We have VIP access, meaning they'll be private places for me to talk with Jerry in the park." Austin did not remember VIP service being mentioned on the website, but Vivian was Vivian. There were different rules for her.
"That makes sense. I could ask Justin to send out a couple of tweets of us together. He has a lot more followers after his black-and-white ball coverage."
"That would be good. We could arrange for a media outlet to pick up on the tweets. We just have to ensure Matt is not in the pictures. That shouldn't be hard with baby Alexis." Austin raised an eyebrow at that.
"Your aunt and cousin will also be there. I don't know if she's bringing Alexis Senior or not." And there goes any chance of actually sneaking away. There would be way too many adults for that.
"The bus is picking us up in 10 minutes. Let Justin know we'll be there in about 20 to pick him and his mom up. I think Cliff is meeting us at their apartment." Unfortunately, Hilda decided that Justin had to sleep in his bed last night, so Austin was up very early. It's easy to wake up early when you don't get any sleep.
"Will do."
Xxxx
The boyfriend: Hey, Vivian wants me to tell you that we should arrive in about 20 minutes. We're making our way down now to the bus.
Justin: I can't believe she actually got a bus.
The boyfriend: It's a minibus. It's more comfortable with how many people are coming with us.
Justin: It's only a few people. I thought she would get the purple Hummer limo again. It was such a short trip last time that I didn't enjoy the soda fridge. I want a second chance to enjoy all the amenities.
The boyfriend: She said it was too conspicuous for an amusement park, at least for this one.
Justin: OK, that is very true.
The boyfriend: Apparently, we are still having snacks. Bagels and other treats from Gio's Deli were just dropped off for the trip.
Justin: At least you will be well-fed. I will have to do at least three laps around the park to burn off the calories.
The boyfriend: Probably. I'm also looking forward to seeing you in a swimsuit.
Justin: The pool may have to wait for tomorrow after we visit Rebecca. Is that even possible at this point? Do you know who's coming with us?
The boyfriend: Not enough people to warrant the minibus. Antonella, Vivian, Tamika, Cliff, and baby Jade are riding with us. Matt and Cory are driving separately. My aunt and cousin/niece will be meeting us there. I don't know if her other mom is joining us or not. Is your mom still coming?"
Justin: My mom is still joining us, and apparently, she will stay behind with the team after we leave for a few days. This means I get to stay at your house since Bobby has a business trip next week. That's also why he's not joining us. We owe him chocolate.
The boyfriend: So there really is no chance for us to sneak away and talk to Rebecca?
Justin: Only with involving one of the adults.
Justin: Your aunt Breanna might be amenable.
The boyfriend: Yes, but then we would have to find a babysitter for baby Alexis, and then Vivian would know what's going on and come with us. What about your mom?
Justin: She already told me no.
The boyfriend: You already asked?
Justin: She just knew.
The boyfriend: OK, we're definitely not trying then. I should've realized they would've figured something out when suddenly so many adults were coming with us.
Justin: We really should have. I'm sorry.
The boyfriend: It's OK. I'm sad because I know Rebecca would tell me things she wouldn't tell Cal.
Justin: Maybe one of the others will be paying her a visit. My mom can be pretty persuasive.
The boyfriend: I hope so.
The boyfriend: Claire and Tyler just showed up to the apartment. Aunt Brianna invited them.
Justin: We really can't get away with anything.
The boyfriend: Nothing at all.
The boyfriend: Mercedes and the girls are also coming with us. They just showed up with Antonella. Their prick dad decided to cancel their visitation session today late last night. They need a fun day of funnel cakes and make their own Reese's cups to forget about that disaster. Now I get why we need a minibus.
Justin: The adults absolutely figured out what we were going to do.
The boyfriend: Either that or everybody is coming along to strengthen the alibi. Vivian is going to need you to send out some strategic tweets to cover our presence in the area.
Justin: I can do that. We're going to have at least two adults with us at all times.
The boyfriend: And one small child. Possibly Jade.
Justin: At least they're letting us share a room. Mom just made sure I packed condoms.
The boyfriend: Not that I'm ready for that right now. Vivian gave me a travel kit. I don't even want to know why she has a safe sex travel kit. she doesn't believe me when I say I just wanna cuddle with you right now. I'm not in the mood for more stuff.
Justin: She's been publicly single since the catastrophic breakup with Sen. Slater. Make of that what you will regarding her preparedness.
The boyfriend: I did not need to think about that.
Justin: Sorry sweetie.
The boyfriend: We are loading into the minibus and will be there soon to pick you up.
Justin: Perfect. Cliff just got here. Jade is dressed in an adorable purple sundress.
The boyfriend: That will probably not make it to lunch.
Justin: Definitely not.
Cxxx
Cory was surprised to go on a trip with his boyfriend this soon. However, getting Matt out of New York and away from everything else involving the situation with Amanda and Tiffany was necessary for his sanity. Matt really needed a break. At least the drive to Rebecca's house provided that.
All too soon, they were trying to find Rebecca's home, bringing them back to the chaos of their life.
"Are you sure this is the right way?" Cory asked after being almost positive he passed the same mailbox at least three times.
"That's what the GPS says. We have to be close. We can see the roller coasters behind us. I think that's the driveway." Matt pointed, and Cory pulled into it, parking behind what he assumed to be Rebecca's vehicle.
"There's a car there, so that's a good sign," Matt commented as Cory killed the engine.
"We did bring bagels from Gio's, so hopefully that will keep the door from being slammed in our face." Cory joked.
"I hope so, at least," Matt said as they exited the car. They quickly walked up the driveway and knocked on the front door.
"I am not interested. I have my own…" Matt cut her off before she could continue speaking.
"We're not here to talk to you about Jesus, but Tiffany. You probably don't recognize me, but I am Matt Hartley. You used to work for my parents." Matt explained quickly.
"You're definitely not a teenager anymore. I guess your dad sent you to do his dirty work." Rebecca sighed.
"More like I am here to keep my little brother from sneaking out of the amusement park to go find you. He had this brilliant idea to have us take him to Hersheypark this weekend." Matt explained. "He said it was to distract him, but…"
"He wants to talk to me." Rebecca finished for him.
"We know you didn't tell my dad everything. Austin showed us pictures from the last family vacation with you several years post wedding." Cory hears a low curse before Matt continues. "I don't blame you because my dad is a bit of a dick."
"A huge Dick. We brought bagels from New York. can we come in?" Cory asked.
"At least you bring nicer baked goods than muffins from Giant," Rebecca said as she opened the door and led them into her living room. Cory placed the bagels on the living room table.
"They come from our boss's husband's restaurant," Matt explained.
"You actually work for someone who is not your father?" Rebecca asked, surprised.
"Technically, I am Matt's direct boss, but he owns a percentage of the company with Monique Osborne-Ross nee Wyndham-West, so HR says we can date. I am Cory, the boyfriend/boss." Cory extended his hand for Rebecca to shake.
"Austin's foster sister Monique is our boss, and her husband owns a few restaurants, including Gio's Deli, which makes the best bread in New York," Cory explained as he shook her hand.
"Yet you brought bagels." Rebecca pointed out.
"The bagels are not bad either. They included various smears packed in dry ice," Matt added.
"I haven't had a good New York bagel for over a decade, so I let you guys come in for that reason alone." Rebecca grabbed one of the bagels from the bag. "Although I don't know what more I can tell you."
"Austin told us that you were still in contact with his mom for a few more years after the wedding, but it fell apart after she visited you without George's permission. Austin remembers her covered in bruises with some excuse that he doesn't believe anymore." Matt explained.
"He shouldn't have believed it back then." Rebecca retorted.
"So, George hit Tiffany?" Cory asked.
"Yes, but she wouldn't leave him. I tried so hard and couldn't get her to realize how bad the situation was. She left her kid behind to follow that man to Chicago instead of leaving him like she should have, and now…" Rebecca stops speaking. As if she realized that she had said a little too much. How exactly did she know about Chicago? Matt must talk to his dad or maybe Andie to see precisely what was said.
"Was it Tiffany's body in that vehicle they found? Your father mentioned something about a body being found when he was here a couple of days ago. He also told me about Chicago." Matt is definitely confirming Chicago.
"The body has been preliminarily identified as the ex-husband. Although they are still waiting for a DNA test to confirm it. That's why the information hasn't yet been released to the public." Cory did not see as much relief on Rebecca's face as he had expected. Again, he was suspicious even though this was the first time he had met her. He is certain Matt is suspicious as well.
"Cadaver dogs are still canvassing the area, but we haven't found anything else." They were glad that Tiffany's body wasn't there, but the absence raised all sorts of questions. That's one of the things that they're planning to talk to the private investigators about later today.
"I'm glad that man won't be around any longer. But unfortunately, I had nothing to do with it." Cory was sure she would've liked to say, 'But I wish I had,' but the woman knew better than to incriminate herself.
"I know a lot about the initial abuse but nothing in recent years. I couldn't keep watching her let herself be hurt by George. I told Tiffany that I would help her start over again when she was ready to leave, but I couldn't keep watching her…" That's when Rebecca started crying.
"We understand," Matt said as he got up from the chair. Cory is not surprised that Matt is ready to leave. He hates crying.
"We will leave you with the bagels. If there's anything else you remember, Call this number." Matt hands the card over to Rebecca, but she's reluctant to accept it.
"I already have a card from your father."
"Yes, but this is for the investigation team, not Dad's assistant. I feel like you would rather talk to them directly." Matt explained.
"Only marginally more." Rebecca took the card.
"On the back is my personal cell phone number. We're going to be at the park for the next two days. I think Austin would love to see his Aunt Rebecca again. We will have a big dinner at Vivian's hotel tonight after the park closes at about 9 o'clock. You're welcome to join us. We will be at the Wyndham West Hotel downtown. We will also be doing brunch tomorrow. Let us know if you want to join."
"I'll consider it. Do give Austin my best wishes, though."
"We will," Cory promised as they departed. In the car ride to the park, they both agreed that Rebecca was definitely hiding something, possibly Tiffany.
Xx
Becky #1: I am sure you already destroyed the phone that belongs to this number, but I thought I would try since I don't have a new contact number yet. Matt and his boyfriend came to visit.
Becky #1: Yes boyfriend. I'm sure Victoria is pissed.
Becky #1: They invited me to dinner tonight with your child. I will go because I know you want me to see how your son is doing. Actually, I will call them to see if I can see Austin sooner.
Becky #1: They were able to identify the body in the van as George. Stay safe wherever you are.
To be continued